Toronto Maple Leafs: Three Takeaways From Loss To The Canadiens

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Nov 19, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center William Nylander (29) celebrates his goal against Montreal Canadiens with teammates during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports /

William Nylander showed toughness to go along with his skill

Much like their game last month, the Maple Leafs could only muster up one goal. Saturday it was Nylander who was able to get one past the brick wall that is Price.

Furthermore, toughness is not an adjective usually associated with the 20-year-old forward, but after Saturday night’s game, it should be. After scoring the lone goal for the Maple Leafs in the second period. Nylander was able to get right back up after enduring a vicious hit by Shea Weber.

When you drive into a mountain bad things happen. pic.twitter.com/kg5Cqxz9l1
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) November 20, 2016

Weber has been punishing Nylander all night. But to Nylander's credit he stayed up and immediately got a scoring chance. pic.twitter.com/iVtsR5BKDw
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) November 20, 2016

Then if that was not enough, it happened again. Late in the third, Weber was able to drill Nylander behind the net. However, once again he was able to get right back up and even had a scoring opportunity right after that.

He may not be at the level of Darcy Tucker, but do not let his size or passport fool you. Nylander proved that he can take a couple of big hits. Even those that are delivered by a mean and rugged defenseman like Weber, so after tonight no one should question his toughness.

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